My Christian journey began in a Roman Catholic yet “Culturally Christian” or “Christian by label only” household, and with occasional visits to Baptist churches. However, the trajectory of my faith took a profound turn when I encountered Armstrongism through my wife after we met in 1999. She had been involved in Armstrongism since her childhood, but didn't really commit to it until about 2002. The distinct teachings regarding the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath and Feasts of the LORD were what caught my attention, and then led me to embrace the Armstrong Church of God community in 2004, only to renounce it in 2015. My wife would later renounce it and exit in 2019, which then led us both to embark on a challenging odyssey of faith and self-discovery together. In this article, I will delve into the challenges we faced, the support systems we found, and the theological disagreements we encountered along the way. My hope is to offer encouragement and guidance to those on similar paths, particularly those who have left cults of Christianity.
Renouncing Armstrongism: A Journey of Awakening
The decision to renounce Armstrongism and depart from the Living Church of God was not hasty but rather the culmination of a gradual awakening. Between 2007 and 2010, doubts began to stir within me as I encountered discrepancies between the doctrines preached and the testimony of Scripture. Additionally, there was a series of discussions and debates I engaged in that left me questioning what I truly believed. I realized that I hadn't thoroughly researched the LCG's teachings, nor the teachings of the Christian faith and worldview. These doubts and realizations then compelled me to take action between 2013 and 2015 as I engaged in serious individual research and study, and then in sincere discussions with church pastors, which would result in me being suspended and eventually barred from participation from all LCG functions. In July 2015, after a period of deep reflection that solidified my understanding and growing conviction in the Holy Spirit and Scriptural truth, it became clear that formally renouncing Armstrongism and permanently leaving the LCG and ACOG community was the right and only course of action to take.
The Difficult Process of Exiting and Transitioning
Leaving the LCG was an emotionally and spiritually taxing experience. The journey of exiting a cult of Christianity and transitioning into unknown territory is full of challenges. Anxiety about the impact on my family and relationships with former fellow congregants, uncertainty about the future, and the need for theological reorientation weighed heavily on us. Yet, through a process of introspection and exploration, we navigated the maze of theological discovery and eventually found solace in the embrace of a new faith community. But more on that later.
Lack of Proper Support in Mainstream Christian Churches
Finding a new church that aligned theologically with our evolving beliefs proved difficult. Disappointingly, many mainstream churches often lacked the resources or trained personnel equipped with the expertise to support individuals who left or were leaving cults. Certified counselors and counter-cult ministries were scarce within church congregations. This absence of specialized support within mainstream Christian churches posed a significant hurdle in our journey. Frustration ensued as we grappled with post-cult triggers and sought guidance in an environment ill-prepared to address the unique needs of cult exiters. Yet, through independent research, connections with former members, Christian Apologetics ministries that specialized in counter-cult evangelism and support, and online resources, we discovered invaluable sources of information, support and solace. We even made good friends along the way.
Dealing with Those Who Think They Have All the Answers
There were times when encounters with dismissive or critical individuals within the Christian community tested our resolve. Some Christians, including pastors, theologians and apologists, came across as dismissive or arrogant. Disappointment and disillusionment often followed interactions marked by condescension or circular reasoning. These individuals lacked empathy and were unwilling to admit the flaws in their own understanding. Yet, through patience and discernment, we learned to navigate these encounters with grace and humility, guided by the principle of seeking truth above all else.
Navigating Cognitive Dissonance
Reconciling the inconsistencies between the teachings of the ACOG and the Bible caused significant cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is the discord between belief and reality, and this was a recurring theme in our journey. Wrestling with conflicting beliefs and confronting the discomfort of incongruence demanded resilience and introspection. Ultimately, a commitment to trusting God and His Word, along with strategies like following the example of the Jews in Berea (Acts 17:10-12) and applying the teachings of the Apostle Paul as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, helped us navigate this challenging phase. Through prayer, study, and a commitment to truth, we confronted cognitive dissonance head-on, emerging with newfound clarity and conviction.
Theological and Doctrinal Disagreements with Mainstream Christianity
While embracing core Christian beliefs, we do hold some differing views with Mainstream Christian history and theology as it relates to the Sabbath, Sunday, Holy Days, the Pre-Trib Rapture view, and child baptism. The principle of "In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity" guides our approach to these disagreements with humility and respect. Embracing diversity within the body of Christ, we found common ground in the centrality of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of faith.
Experiences in Our New Church Community
The transition to a new church community (especially with Sunday services) has been an adjustment that has brought both challenges and blessings. Adjusting to unfamiliar worship practices and establishing new rhythms of fellowship required patience and perseverance. However, the warmth, compassion, and sound biblical teaching we've found have been a source of comfort and growth. Additionally, in the embrace of a welcoming and supportive community, we found acceptance and affirmation, fostering a sense of belonging and renewal.
Jesus as the Focus of Our Journey
Throughout this odyssey of faith, Jesus remained the unwavering focal point. For me personally, my journey began with the question, "What did Jesus do?" Following Jesus' teachings and example became the core principle of our faith. His teachings, His example, and His redemptive work illuminated the path of truth and transformation. Through prayer, study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, my wife and I encountered the living Christ in profound ways, experiencing the freedom that comes from knowing Him. Answered prayers and a growing understanding of Jesus' message of love and grace confirmed that we were on the right path.
Conclusion
In closing, our journey after exiting a cult of Christianity has been one of profound growth, challenge, and discovery. This article has highlighted the challenges and triumphs of leaving a cult of Christianity. It emphasizes the importance of seeking truth, finding supportive communities, and remaining focused on Jesus Christ throughout the journey together.
Encouragement to Readers
To those embarking on similar paths, I offer words of encouragement and hope. Know that you are not alone. There are resources available, and there is hope for healing and growth. Embrace healthy and biblically sound supportive communities you find along the way. Remember, God's grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Additionally, lean into the journey, embrace the process of seeking truth, and above all, fix your gaze on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. Also, nurture your relationship with Jesus and His Church - The Body of Christ. In Him, you will find the anchor for your soul and the guiding light for your journey of faith.
Lastly, trust and follow Jesus. As Jesus said to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
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